Iam doing a project and want to calculate what size solar panel to use to run my circuit. the only thing is that I have some size constraints involved cant be bigger and \$5\times5\$ in. I have a 12.2V lipo battery that is going to be powering a 4W 12V DC heating element at \$140^{\circ}\$C. I think I need to add a voltage regulator because I want the temperature to be constant and no greater than \$50^{\circ}\$C. If some one could give me some advice in what to do I would appreciate it greatly.
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1\$\begingroup\$ First head over to the physics forums and find out how much energy you need to heat your unspecified volume from ambient (also unspecified) temperature in the (yet still unspecified) time. Then we can know how you can best supply the power for that required energy. \$\endgroup\$– MajenkoCommented Mar 10, 2015 at 21:22
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\$\begingroup\$ A voltage regulator regulates voltage. If you want a constant temperature, you need a temperature regulator. In any case, you mention both 140C and 50C -- which is it? \$\endgroup\$– Dave TweedCommented Mar 10, 2015 at 21:58
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\$\begingroup\$ That's a lot of question. For a start try following the energy, with losses at each stage. 1.) how much light? \$\endgroup\$– George HeroldCommented Mar 11, 2015 at 0:33
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2\$\begingroup\$ I will just point out that if you want to use solar power to heat something, it will probably be more efficient to use solar thermal collectors instead of photovoltaic. \$\endgroup\$– user57037Commented Mar 11, 2015 at 1:18
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If I understand you correctly, you have only 5 x 5 inches for solar panels? That would translate to approximately 5 watts if I remember correctly (I will check that figure and edit if necessary). EDIT: 6 x 6 inches will give you 4 watts for the average solar cell under full sunlight.
It is unclear if you plan to run your heater at the full 4 watts, but if you do, then for how long?
If your panel puts out 4-5 watts and your heater uses 4 watts, then you just need to find out how much sunlight you get and if it is enough.
By the way, most 12 volt lithium batteries would be 12.6 volts fully charged.
Good luck.
